Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies Recipe

Few things in life are as universally adored as the comforting, indulgent bite of a freshly baked cookie. Chewy M&M sugar cookies are a delightful treat that takes the classic sugar cookie to new heights, adding colorful M&M candies for extra crunch and sweetness. These cookies are irresistibly chewy on the inside, with a delicate, slightly crisp edge. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create cookies that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies Recipe

There are so many reasons why chewy M&M sugar cookies are a favorite among cookie lovers. First and foremost, their texture is the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with just enough crunch from the M&M candies. The base of the cookie is a classic sugar cookie dough that’s buttery and sweet, while the M&Ms add a colorful burst of flavor and a little crunch in every bite. The chewy interior makes them incredibly satisfying, while the light crispness on the edges offers that perfect bite.

Another reason these cookies are so beloved is their versatility. The M&M candies can be customized to match any occasion. For holidays, you can use seasonal M&Ms in festive colors, while for a more everyday treat, you can stick to the classic rainbow-colored candies. Plus, making chewy M&M sugar cookies from scratch means you can control the quality and freshness of your ingredients, resulting in a cookie that’s far superior to store-bought varieties.

This recipe is not just for bakers; it’s for anyone who loves to enjoy a sweet treat that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of milk, these cookies are sure to make everyone smile.

Recipe Details for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

Chewy M&M sugar cookies take inspiration from the classic sugar cookie, but with a fun twist—M&M candies! These cookies are easy to make and don’t require any special tools or techniques, making them perfect for beginner bakers. The base of the recipe is simple, consisting of butter, sugar, and eggs, with just a hint of vanilla for flavor. The result is a soft, rich dough that forms the perfect foundation for the colorful M&Ms.

The process begins with creaming the butter and sugar, followed by the addition of eggs and vanilla. After the wet ingredients are mixed, the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt—are combined and added to the dough. Then, the M&Ms are gently folded in, ensuring that each cookie is filled with candy.

Once the dough is prepared, it’s scooped into evenly sized balls and baked until golden on the edges, leaving the center soft and chewy. The M&Ms melt slightly during baking, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. The result is a batch of colorful, chewy cookies that are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to simple afternoon snacks.

Nutritional Information for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

While chewy M&M sugar cookies are a delicious indulgence, understanding their nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy them in moderation. Here’s an overview of the key nutritional components of these cookies:

Butter

Butter is a key ingredient that contributes to the rich, chewy texture of the cookies. It provides fat, which helps create a soft and tender crumb. While butter contains saturated fat, it also offers a small amount of vitamins A and D. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with margarine or oil, though it may slightly alter the texture.

Sugar

Granulated sugar is the primary sweetener in these cookies, contributing to both sweetness and texture. Sugar also helps with browning, giving the cookies their golden edges. However, it’s important to note that sugar adds calories and can contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can experiment with lower-calorie sweeteners like stevia or honey, though the texture may change.

M&M Candies

The M&M candies are what give these cookies their distinctive pop of color and extra sweetness. They contain sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors. While M&Ms add some calories and sugar, they also offer a fun and festive twist to the cookies. You can choose different types of M&Ms, including peanut butter, mini, or even seasonal varieties for different flavors and textures.

Flour and Eggs

Flour provides structure to the dough, and the eggs contribute moisture and help bind the ingredients together. Flour is a carbohydrate, while eggs add protein and a small amount of healthy fats, along with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12 and riboflavin.

Overall, chewy M&M sugar cookies are a delicious treat, but they are best enjoyed in moderation due to their calorie and sugar content. To make them a little lighter, you can consider making some substitutions or reducing the amount of M&Ms.

Ingredients for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

To make these delicious chewy M&M sugar cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened) – Adds richness and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup – Provides sweetness and helps with texture.
• Eggs: 2 large – Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – For flavor.
• All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups – The base of the dough.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon – Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
• M&M candies: 1 cup – Adds sweetness, color, and crunch.

These ingredients create a classic sugar cookie dough that is enriched with colorful M&Ms for a fun, festive twist.

Equipment Needed for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

To make these chewy M&M sugar cookies, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar, though you can also use a hand mixer or mix by hand.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Baking sheet: To bake the cookies on. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: To ensure evenly sized cookies.
• Cooling rack: For letting the cookies cool once they come out of the oven.
• Whisk or spoon: To combine the dry ingredients.

These essential tools will help you achieve perfectly baked chewy M&M sugar cookies every time.

Pro Tips for Success with Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

To ensure your chewy M&M sugar cookies turn out perfectly, follow these pro tips:

1. Use Softened Butter

For the best texture, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream as easily with the sugar, and melted butter can result in flat cookies. Softened butter creates a light and airy dough, resulting in a soft, chewy cookie.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can cause the cookies to be tough and dense. Mix until the dough just comes together to ensure a soft and tender texture.

3. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much. Chilling also helps enhance the flavors, so it’s worth the wait.

4. Use a Cookie Scoop

For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop. This ensures that each cookie bakes at the same rate, resulting in consistent texture and appearance.

5. Monitor Baking Time

Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking. Chewy M&M sugar cookies should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if they seem a little soft when you remove them from the oven.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect chewy M&M sugar cookies every time.

Instructions for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the M&Ms: Gently fold the M&M candies into the dough using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the soft texture of the dough.
6. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should have about 12 cookies per sheet.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe Variations for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

While the classic chewy M&M sugar cookies are always a hit, there are several variations you can try:

1. Peanut Butter M&M Sugar Cookies

For a fun twist, add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough. This will give the cookies a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the M&Ms.

2. Chocolate Chip M&M Sugar Cookies

Combine M&Ms with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat. The combination of the candies and chocolate chips adds depth and richness to the cookies.

3. Seasonal M&Ms

For festive occasions, use seasonal M&Ms such as red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. These variations make the cookies perfect for celebrations and parties.

4. Gluten-Free M&M Sugar Cookies

To make a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your M&Ms are gluten-free, as some varieties may contain gluten.

Storage Instructions for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

Chewy M&M sugar cookies store well for later enjoyment:

Refrigeration

Once the cookies have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container, which helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cookies at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Serving Suggestions for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

Chewy M&M sugar cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways:

1. Classic Treat: Serve with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic, comforting treat.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
3. Gift-Giving: Package the cookies in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
4. Party Platter: Serve the cookies on a platter at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or school events. Their colorful appearance makes them an eye-catching and festive treat.

FAQs for Chewy M&M Sugar Cookies

1. Can I use other types of candy in place of M&Ms? Yes, you can use chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or any other candy of your choice. Just be sure to chop the candy into smaller pieces if necessary.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking.
3. Why are my cookies flat? If your cookies are spreading too much, it may be due to the dough being too warm or not chilling before baking. Try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
4. Can I make these cookies without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or another egg replacer for a vegan version.

Conclusion

These chewy M&M sugar cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and colorful sweetness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. The simple ingredients and easy instructions make this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels. With endless variations to explore and the ability to customize with your favorite M&Ms, these cookies are truly a versatile and fun dessert. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a batch of these delightful, chewy cookies today!

Print